Leadership in Difficult Times

Without question, the impact has been felt in our clubs. Stories of jobs and homes lost by our fellow Kiwanians are being been shared weekly. These situations require empathy and support . Personal and professional  financial hardships place Kiwanis low on a list of priorities for those impacted members.

Although personal committments to Kiwanis still remain, volunteer hours have taken a dip. Those labor intense projects have shown slightly diminished participation, while the 'smaller' projects occurring at established venues such as schools, churches, food banks, have not.  Perhaps additional focus and emphasis should be placed on these types of projects to better adapt to the competative time demands of the membership. There needs to be a renewed  energy focused by those of us with less outside demands on our time, at seeking out new members. Now more than ever we must not 'leave it to the other guy' to grow our clubs. The needs in our community are expanding and so must our efforts to seek out and retain like minded, community service oriented men, women, boys, and girls.

Seweet are the uses of adversity,which like a toad wears yet  a precious jewel in his head ............-

Shakespare.

I will coment further,

Yours in Kiwanis

Economic Adversity has many effects from folks who can't afford to join in Kiwanis Fellowship at conventions and dinners, to greater difficulties in fundraising.  The ultimate irony is that our communities need us now, more than ever.  We need to lead by example, and spend less effort doing the "easy things" (like writing checks) and spend more time doing hands on service, which often doesnt cost anything!

I strongly belive that the focus in recent years have changed .Our fosus should   address the needs of our community not membershp.and growt will follow,

I have said this before. Review the Administration of K,I, Presidents Tony,Kaizer & Bo Shafer. The M.E.P .were internationa & meaningfull. Our image caught the attention of members of our communities.the wanted to bel.ong..

Yours in kiwanis.Michael